Permission has been granted to knock down Altofts Hall Farm, subject to councillors voting in favour of a scheme build 408 homes on surrounding countryside in West Yorkshire. Almost 1,000 residents have objected to Taylor Wimpey’s application to build the properties on 18 hectares of land off Station Lane, in Altofts, near Wakefield. Altofts Community Action Group launched a campaign to stop the project when the plans were submitted in March 2023.
One objector said the site has links to sixteenth century sailor and explorer Martin Frobisher, who was born in Altofts. Other concerns were raised over dust and noise during the demolition. A council officer’s report said the objections were “not material” to the application. It said the local authority could only give consideration to the method of demolition and restoration of the site.